One of Hollywood's most famous triple threats, Shirley MacLaine, 74, has been singing, dancing and acting since the 1950s. Also a bestselling author—and the sister of Warren Beatty—MacLaine started her career on Broadway before becoming a movie star in such films as
The Trouble with Harry (1955), directed by Alfred Hitchcock;
Some Came Running (1958), costarring her pals Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin; and
The Apartment (1960) with Jack Lemmon. In more recent years, she has become just as famous for her devotion to New Age spirituality and her belief in past lives. She also has a daughter, Sachi Parker, 52, with ex-husband Steve Parker (they divorced in 1982 after nearly 30 years of marriage), and two grandchildren.
On Sept. 13 she stars in the Lifetime movie
Coco Chanel. MacLaine spoke to PEOPLE's Elaine Aradillas about some of her most memorable movies and moments. "A favorite moment? No," says MacLaine. "They were all strung together to be one absolute, amazing event in the life of my lives."
